Dear constituents,
I hope this finds you well and enjoying the heart of summer here in Boston. As we reached the halfway point of 2025, I wanted to take a moment to share an update on what we’ve been working on, both up on Beacon Hill and right here in our neighborhoods.
From budget votes and bill hearings to community cleanups, parades, and groundbreaking ceremonies, it’s been a privilege to stay close to the work and the people who make this district what it is. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, and I’m even more motivated for what’s ahead.
Thank you, as always, for being part of this effort.
Delivering Relief for Working Families and Seniors
This past session, the Legislature passed one of the most significant tax relief packages in a generation, and its impact became real for residents this spring. Families across the Commonwealth are seeing increased support from a more generous Child and Family Tax Credit, expanded Earned Income Tax Credit, and improvements to the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit. We also raised the cap on rental deductions, reformed the estate tax to protect middle-class families, and lowered the short-term capital gains rate. These are meaningful changes that reduce costs and help people stay in their homes, raise their kids, and plan for the future.
Strengthening Public Access and Transparency
This year, I voted to extend hybrid public meeting laws through 2027, ensuring that residents across the Commonwealth can continue to engage in local government without barriers. I also supported Senate rules reforms that require committee votes and public testimony to be published online, and for bill summaries to be made easily available and written in plain, accessible language that people can understand. These practical changes are rooted in a simple belief: our constituents deserve a clear view into how their government works.
Governing with Accountability and Vision
This session, I was again entrusted to serve as Chair of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight, a committee that plays a key role in how government functions—covering everything from how public contracts are awarded to how state agencies write and follow regulations. I was also appointed Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight and the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, and I continue to serve on the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, which shapes our state budget and determines how investments reach our neighborhoods.
I also remain active on committees focused on veterans, mental health, and small business development. These roles take me across many sectors and communities, and I value each one as an opportunity to advocate for a more responsive, equitable, and effective government, one that reflects the people we serve.
Breaking Down Barriers to Care and Backing First Responders
The overdose crisis continues to demand urgent, systemic action. That’s why I filed legislation this year, An Act Relative to Life Saving Treatment (S.1042), to strengthen civil commitment standards and ensure individuals who survive an overdose are connected to care, not discharged without treatment. The bill received a public hearing on June 3rd, and the Judiciary Committee reported it out favorably. It will now move to the next committee for further consideration.
In tandem, I secured $19 million through the Senate budget to expand the Diversion Grant Program, helping local police departments and clinicians work together to de-escalate mental health emergencies and direct individuals to treatment.
That same priority continues in legislation I filed this session that would ensure automatic disability benefits for first responders impacted by job-related infectious diseases. Those who run toward danger deserve protection when illness follows them home.
Building Safer Streets with Smarter Oversight
Public health and safety go hand-in-hand, which is why I’ve also supported legislation to address a growing concern on our roadways. I’m advocating for S.2347, An Act Relative to Transportation Safety, a bill aimed at curbing the rising number of dangerous incidents involving mopeds, e-bikes, and motorized scooters—many of which are operated without licenses, registration, or insurance.
The legislation would increase fines for traffic violations and require insurance for commercial use, particularly in the growing food delivery sector. Just as we expect accountability in public health systems, we need the same commitment on our streets to keep pedestrians, cyclists, and all commuters safe.
Celebrating Community and Heritage
This March, I had the great honor of once again hosting the South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast, one of our city’s most cherished civic traditions. It was a joy to welcome elected officials, community leaders, military guests, and neighbors from across the region to celebrate our shared heritage and the spirit of the season.
In the parade, marching alongside South Boston’s own “Kickoff for Kids” youth team reminded me why these traditions matter, because they inspire the next generation of leaders.
The celebration only happens because of the incredible work of the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council, the Boston Police Department, and countless volunteers who ensure the day runs safely and smoothly. It was a true reflection of who we are: rooted in tradition, grounded in service, and united by a deep commitment to our community.
Investing in Infrastructure, Housing, and Public Spaces
In the supplemental budget signed by the Governor on June 24th, I secured $1 million for critical infrastructure improvements in South Boston, including renovations to Farragut Circle, upgrades along Columbia Road and Day Boulevard, safety enhancements near Broadway and Andrew Station, and a comprehensive transportation study that includes plans to extend the Harborwalk at the Reserve Channel. While much work has been done planning the future of Kosciuszko Circle and Morrissey Boulevard, we will continue to work so that residents and stakeholders have seats at the table to ensure the planning process addresses the needs of the most affected. And just ahead of the July 4th holiday, we celebrated the opening of the Neponset River Greenway extension, another step toward better-connected and more accessible open space across the district.
That focus continued with our reappointment to the Metropolitan Beaches Commission, where we’re working to ensure that Boston’s public beaches remain clean, safe, accessible, and climate resilient. In July, we were proud to join Save the Harbor/Save the Bay for a cleanup at Carson Beach, one of many moments this year that affirmed our shared commitment to these treasured public spaces.
And in a historic milestone, we broke ground on the revitalization of the Mary Ellen McCormack public housing community. South Boston has a long and proud history of public housing. This project marks a new chapter, one centered on dignity, opportunity, and quality of life for every resident.
Rooted in Community
The work of government doesn’t stop at the State House, and neither does ours. From Civic Association meetings and safety walks to visits with nonprofits like Camp Harbor View, Daily Table, More Than Words, Catie’s Closet, Miles for Military, and the South Boston Neighborhood House, we’ve stayed grounded in the neighborhoods that shape our work.
And sometimes, the story comes full circle. During Teacher Appreciation Week this spring, I had the chance to thank my own first-grade teacher, Peggy Byrne, who now teaches my daughter. Moments like that remind me why I do this work—because the threads of community, care, and continuity are what matter.
What’s Next
As we turn toward the second half of 2025, our focus remains on delivering for the First Suffolk District. That includes showing up for residents, advancing key legislation, and securing critical resources for our neighborhoods.
During the FY26 budget process, both chambers of the Legislature debated and passed their own versions of the state budget. A compromise was reached in late June between the House and Senate, and we voted to approve the final version on June 30th. Governor Healey signed the FY26 budget into law on July 4th as Chapter 9 of the Acts of 2025.
As part of that process, I worked to secure over $10 million in direct investments for local health centers, youth organizations, cultural institutions, veterans’ programs, workforce development, housing, and public safety initiatives. These wins reflect the needs voiced by residents and community leaders throughout the First Suffolk District. Here’s a look at the programs and agencies that received support:
Health & Human Services
- Geiger Gibson Community Health Center
- Codman Square Health Center
- Boston Community Pediatrics
- Harbor Health Services
- Harbor Health Services PACE Program
- South Boston Community Health Center
- The Boston Home
- Hearth, Inc.
- Louis D. Brown Peace Institute
Economic Development
- Camp Harbor View
- Cape Verdean Association
- St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children
- Massachusetts Fallen Heroes
- Asian Community Development Corporation
- Boston Children’s Museum
Education & Youth Support
- Catie’s Closet
- St. Stephen’s Youth Program
- Urban College
- John F. Kennedy Library Foundation
- More Than Words
Public Safety
- Boston Fire Department Training Academy
- MBTA Transit Safety Patrols
- State Park and Beach Safety Patrols
- Water Safety Services at Castle Island and Carson Beach
Transportation & Infrastructure
- Morrissey Boulevard Commission
- South Boston and Waterfront Commission
Community Programming & Cultural Support
- South Boston Allied War Veterans Council
- Joseph Nee South Boston Collaborative Center
- South Boston Neighborhood House
- Ella J. Baker House
- Julie’s Family Learning Program
- Caribbean American Carnival Association of Boston
- Boston Firefighter and Family Cancer Foundation
- Handel and Haydn Society
- South End Technology Center
- South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation
- Save the Harbor, Save the Bay
- Boston City Lights Foundation
- South Boston Special Kids & Young Adults
- Boston Women’s Heritage Trail
- Boston Irish Heritage Trail
- Dorchester Food Co-op
- The People’s Academy
Environmental Justice & Climate
- Clean Energy Entrepreneurial Fellowships
- Castle Island Marine Park Trust
In addition, the state’s FY26–FY30 Capital Investment Plan (CIP) includes several major commitments aligned with our district’s priorities, including upgrades to the Red and Orange Lines, roadway and intersection safety, investments in public housing, expanded clean energy infrastructure, and funding for parks and resilience planning.
This work is ongoing, and I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to serve this community and continue delivering results where they matter most.
Sincerely,
Nick Collins
State Senator
First Suffolk District.